OBITUARY
Mrs. R. E. Orendorff, of Benedict, who died January 7, 1903, was born in the state of Alabama, February 16, 1830. When a mere child her parents came with her to Illinois where she grew to womanhood. In 1847 she was married to Robert Prunty, of Illinois. Two children, Lee and Lon, came to brighten their home. Mr. Prunty died in 1850 and in 1852 she was married to David Orendorff. Seven children were given to them as follows: Guy; Mrs. Hettie Gwin of Larimer, Kansas; Allie, deceased; Mrs. Kate Boman of Rest; Mamie, deceased; Mrs. Carrie Knaus of Benedict; and William, deceased. In 1883 her husband died and from that time until 1902 she resided on the farm with two grandchildren, Dorrell and Myrtle McClaren. In the spring of 1902 she moved to Benedict, leaving Dorrell in charge of the farm. Mrs. Orendorff was a woman of whom it can be said, "To know her was to love her." Of a kind and unselfish disposition, she endeared herself to every one with whom she came in contact. The chief aim of her life seemed to be to do good unto others and she counted self sacrifice nothing in the many, many loving deeds she did while on earth. Not alone will those to whom she was closely related miss her, but no one with whom she was intimately acquainted can fail to recall some kind word or deed received from the one that now lies silent and cold in death. No mother's love excelled hers and her children bear testimony of the loving care she gave them throughout her life, and they gave evidence of the deep love they bore her by the tender and watchful care that each of them gave her during her last illness. Everything that could be done for her comfort was gladly and willingly done, and it can be safely said that no one ever received better care, but Death, the grim messenger, came and conquered, and only her life as an example is left to us. The funeral services were held in the Christian church. Rev. Blackburn, of Buffalo, performing the last sad rites. When the beautiful casket was opened, revealing the remains of this noble woman, it seemed that she was only sweetly sleeping, so perfectly natural was every feature, but God in His infinite wisdom had called her home, where all toil and cares ceased, and everything is joy and gladness.
Tread softly, she sleeps,
Disturb not her rest;
God bless Thee, our mother,
Noblest, surest and best.
Watch o'er us each day
From that mansion above,
Guide thou our footsteps,
In mercy and love,
We miss these, dear mother,
How much none can tell
But some day we'll meet thee,
And "All Will Be Well." [Advocate, a weekly newspaper publisher in Buffalo, Wilson County, Kansas - January 16, 1903 - Page 8, Column 2]

Daughter of James M. McCain and Jane Craig.